The "Scream Queen" moniker rose to true prominence in the 1970's, and the term hasn't left the lips of horror fans nce. For some odd reason, genre fans are fascinated with the next powerful heroine, and we're always eager to brand the new female lead the "Next Great Scream Queen". The truth of the matter is, that's a title that should be reserved for very few in the buness.

I could ealy run through a list of 100 worthy women of the coveted title, but I’d need to dig deep into history's crates to do so. In order to save some time and downze the potential scope of this list, I‘ll be highlighting women who’ve made their mark in the last 20 years excluvely.

In other words, don’t spiral into an uncontrollable rage when Jamie Lee Curtis doesn’t top this particular list!

10. Danielle Panabaker: At 23 years old, Danielle is one of the youngest occupants of this list. Her experience is still fairly minimal, but she’s a genre natural, and if there was any doubt about it after Mr. Brooks, she lenced the doubters with memorable performances in Friday the 13th and The Crazies. A featured role in John Carpenters long awaited directorial return, The Ward is sure to boost her growing clout; an appearance in the forthcoming Piranha 3DD could potentially do just the oppote.

09. Rose McGowan: Despite landing some extremely kick ass roles in both Scream and Phantoms, not many condered Rose "Scream Queen" material. General perception shifted however when Robert Rodriguez and Quentin Tarantino cast her as one of the primary leads in both Grindhouse features, Planet Terror and Death Proof. After seeing Rose splatter zombie flesh with her modified amputated limb and bounce around the passenger section of a beautiful matte black 1971 Chevy Nova, I’m convinced! Keep an eye out for Victor Salva’s upcoming tale of suburban terror, Rosewood Lane, as Rose will once again take center stage in what promises to be a quality feature.

08. Sheri Moon Zombie: Sheri’s rightfully worked her way onto this list in an extremely unorthodox manner. She is, in all honesty, the anti-scream queen, as she’s become better known for playing antagonists rather than the heroine, and she’s anything but your ideal goodie-goodie, prep squad survivor. In fact, there’s a strange white trash sexiness that Sheri projects, and it only further distances her from the casual crowd. For those who take to drooling over this rocker bad girl, your wait for Sheri’s return to the big screen shouldn’t be too lengthy, she’s slated to appear in hubbie Rob Zombie’s upcoming feature The Lords of Salem, which hits theaters next year.

07. Aa Argento: Much like Sheri Moon, Aa Argento lands a lot of gigs courtesy of close family ties; in Aa’s case, famed father, and Giallo master, Dario Argento often books his gorgeous daughter for his gruesome features. It’s a good thing too, without Daddy, Aa would have missed a few key genre features. Among the many films she’s worked on with her father are the fan favorites Trauma and The Phantom of the Opera. Aa also surfaced in Mother of Tears as well as cult favorites The Church and Demons 2. For my money, I pick Land of the Dead as a personal favorite; this woman is abnormally sexy when asserting her dominance. Aa is currently back at work with her father, this time tackling a starring role in Dario’s modern rendition of Dracula, appropriately titled Dracula 3D.

06. Ingrid Bolsø Berdal: When I mention the fact that Ingrid is ealy the least known woman on this list, it’s no shocking revelation. However, if I tell you that both Cold Prey I and Cold Prey II are arguably the best two slashers to hit the market nce Scream, you may be a bit surprised. Just the same, this is the best new franchise to see conception in years, and Ingrid is absolutely stunning in a wonderfully natural manner. It’s hard to watch Berdal work and not draw upon milarities between this Norwegian goddess and legendary genre heroine Jamie Lee Curtis.

Note: Ingrid is ealy my favorite leading lady to be featured in this piece, and if it were all about my personal opinion and nothing more, Ms. Berdal would move comfortably into the top potion. That said, I’ll keep things a bit more “mainstream” and make sure this list appeals to the more casual fanbase!

05. Melissa George: Melissa isn’t just an attractive woman with lips luscious enough to rival Angelina Jolie’s, she’s a believably competent lead that’s traditionally pretty easy to pull for. There’s a natural strength that Melissa relies on when shooting vulnerable scenes, and coupled with her chameleon-like adaptability, the two make for remarkably well-rounded performances. To get an excellent idea of the kind of range Melissa George boasts, check out Triangle, followed directly by 30 Days of Night; you’re in for an examination of extreme diverty.

04. Amber Heard: Despite landing at number four on this list, Amber is perhaps at the front of the pack in terms of the most modern and relevant scream queens in the buness. Leading Carpenter’s latest The Ward, combined with sound performances in The Stepfather remake, Drive Angry 3D and All the Boys Love Mandy Lane, Heard is the future of scream queens, mark my words.

03. Milla Jovovich: What I love about Milla, is the fact that she can kick the ass of every other woman on this list. If there’s anyone fit to lead rebels into a relentless war with zombies, it’s Milla Jovovich. Whether you love the films or loathe them, you can’t deny the cultural relevancy of the Redent Evil franchise and the impact Milla has made through her performances as the uber-tough Alice. When you add the generally well-received The Fourth Kind and A Perfect Getaway, you’re toting an insanely impresve genre influence. Now’s a good time to point out the fact that the fifth installment of Redent Evil is expected next year.
02. Danielle Harris: There’s a quality to Danielle Harris that I can’t seem to accurately identify; this woman was seemingly born to front horror ensembles. She’s perfectly rough around the edges, which makes for a slight stiffness in some of her performances, yet, there’s always a detectable pason in her effort, and those are two traits that I think function synonymously with “Scream Queen”. Did I mention she’s insanely gorgeous?

01. Neve Campbell: Right now there are a lot of annoyed readers shaking their heads in disgust at my number one pick, but I stand behind this decion, firmly. Neve’s work in the Scream franchise has managed to not only reignite interest in commercial horror, it saved a dying sub-genre that I for one cherish. dney Prescott is a character that will be remembered in 25 years; she’s today’s Laurie Strode, which is an amazing compliment. When you conder Neve’s hand in what many conder the best witch themed film in decades, The Craft, Campbell is an obvious shoe-in for this top spot.

Matt_Molgaard
Friday 6/24/2011 at 01:22 PM | 77696

Really outstanding work. I can't wait to talk about this with the other guys on Rabbit in Red.

Vince

Rabbit in Red Radio
Friday 6/24/2011 at 11:04 PM | 77706

thanks Vince

I'm looking to write my way right into the HB family, so I've got to try to bring some quality content to the table!

How do I go about tuning into Rabbit in Red?

Matt_Molgaard
Friday 6/24/2011 at 11:39 PM | 77708

Hey Matt, welcome!! Great article. On the homepage you'll see a tab at the top of the screen that says podcast. That where all the Rabbit in Radio treasures await you.

Anonymous
Saturday 6/25/2011 at 12:09 AM | 77710

Hey Matt, welcome!! Great article. On the homepage you'll see a tab at the top of the screen that says podcast. That where all the Rabbit in Radio treasures await you.

thanks Brian!

Matt_Molgaard
Saturday 6/25/2011 at 12:13 AM | 77711

Where is Angela Bettis?

Good list though man

immortaldeath24
Saturday 6/25/2011 at 06:49 PM | 77731

This list is good but where's Mary Elizabeth Winstead? Yay for Danielle Harris ^.^

Ryze
Monday 6/27/2011 at 02:04 AM | 77752

I hate to be one to argue a well-written article, but half of these girls are only dreaming of Scream Queen status. Yes I'm biased, but how is Sarah Michelle Gellar absent?

Buffy, The Grudge, I Know What You Did Last Summer, Scream 2...

Naomi Watts with King Kong, The Ring, and Funny Games. dney from Scream is mowhere near as iconic as Scout Taylor Compton's Laurie Strode, or Buffy, or (I hate to say it cuz I'm not really a fan) Anna Paquin as Sookie, or in Trick R Treat. Like I said, good writing, but unfairly biased. Amber Heard certainly does not deserve the title of Scream Queen. Hot girl, sure, but definitely not scream queen. Aa Argento was in Marie Antoinette. If she weren't Dario's daughter, a period piece would cancel out all scream queen points.

KMLandis66
Monday 6/27/2011 at 04:09 AM | 77753

Oh, and Rachael Miner!

Can't forget her!

KMLandis66
Monday 6/27/2011 at 04:11 AM | 77754

I hate to be one to argue a well-written article, but half of these girls are only dreaming of Scream Queen status. Yes I'm biased, but how is Sarah Michelle Gellar absent?

Buffy, The Grudge, I Know What You Did Last Summer, Scream 2...

Naomi Watts with King Kong, The Ring, and Funny Games. dney from Scream is mowhere near as iconic as Scout Taylor Compton's Laurie Strode, or Buffy, or (I hate to say it cuz I'm not really a fan) Anna Paquin as Sookie, or in Trick R Treat. Like I said, good writing, but unfairly biased. Amber Heard certainly does not deserve the title of Scream Queen. Hot girl, sure, but definitely not scream queen. Aa Argento was in Marie Antoinette. If she weren't Dario's daughter, a period piece would cancel out all scream queen points.

I respectfully disagree with your complete argument lol

SMG NEARLY made the list, but I ended up excluding her based on the fact that she's a pretty terrible actress.

Naomi Watts? Awesome....scream queen? no, not in my book.

dney from Scream nowhere near as iconic as Scout Taylor Compton? Really? One film (franchise) REINVENTED the entire genre and reignited interest in slashers that (at that point, mid 90's) was DEAD. Scout Taylor Compton never would have gotten a role in a Halloween remake because a Halloween remake never would have even happened if not for the sub-genre getting a jolt of much-needed life, from SCREAM. And be honest with yourself, STC isn't one tenth the scream queen Neve is; she never has been, and she'll likely never land a role near as relevant as dney Prescott (how dare you compare Scout in a rehashed role - that was already executed by Jamie Lee Curtis in fantastic fashion -

in a mid-grade quality remake, you blasphemer! lol). She's arguably nothing more than annoying, and I haven't been moved by a ngle film she's shot, but that's just my personal opinion - cute girl, but cant pretend to hold a candle to Neve.

look deeper into Aa's resume my friend.

As for Amber, I lol at your comments

Amber Heard has shot

The Ward
Drive Angry 3D
And Soon The Darkness
All The Boys Love Mandy Lane
The Stepfather (remake obviously)
Zombieland (not exactly a masve role)
and now she's set to work on House of Dust

all in literally just a few short years.

I'm actually not a huge fan of hers, but to deny that list is to turn a cold shoulder, which she doesn't deserve.

I appreciate your response, I just completely disagree with it lol

Matt_Molgaard
Monday 6/27/2011 at 12:25 PM | 77757

Have to disagree that SMG is a terrible actress.

She was brilliant as Buffy, and anyone who actually watched the show would agree if they understood anything about it.

I would also like to point out that if being a terrible actress is enough to exclude someone from this list, then the entire thing needs to be re-done.

Milla Jovovich?

Sheri Moon Zombie (though I love her for all the reasons you mentioned)?

IMO, "Scream Queen" is a title reserved for a girl or woman with an established history in the genre, not some newcomers who can only hope to achieve any kind of status.

I appreciate what you're trying to do in bringing these names to people who may not have heard them, but I still think it's incredibly biased to exclude women with solid history in the genre for the sake of including some girls you personally like.

KMLandis66
Monday 6/27/2011 at 06:17 PM | 77764

Have to disagree that SMG is a terrible actress.

She was brilliant as Buffy, and anyone who actually watched the show would agree if they understood anything about it.

I would also like to point out that if being a terrible actress is enough to exclude someone from this list, then the entire thing needs to be re-done.

Milla Jovovich?

Sheri Moon Zombie (though I love her for all the reasons you mentioned)?

IMO, "Scream Queen" is a title reserved for a girl or woman with an established history in the genre, not some newcomers who can only hope to achieve any kind of status.

I appreciate what you're trying to do in bringing these names to people who may not have heard them, but I still think it's incredibly biased to exclude women with solid history in the genre for the sake of including some girls you personally like.

first, being a terrible actress doesn't automatically exclude you from this list. However, it did help me determine to leave Sarah off the list. She's had some gems, and as I had indeed mentioned, she DId almost make the list.

As for girls i "personally like", there really is only one of those on this list, and if you havent seenn Cold Prey, I can understand your complaint - that's definitely fair on your part.

with all due respect brother, you made claim that Scout Taylor Compton was a more deserving figure for this list than Neve Campbell, and then you're talking about established actresses for these potions. Scout established? Not very much so. In fact, far less established than any (save for Ingrid and maybe Panabaker) woman to make this list.

Here's my proof (the last movie(s) listed represent movies that are being shot or on the way).

First, your girl, Scout (who, you'll note has done 3 remakes, and was like 7 when Scream came out - something I note citing your claim that Scout is superior to Neve, who CLEARLy has the deeper roots):

just to make a point. These ladies are far more versed in the horror realm, and featured in generally higher profile films than Scout.

There are plenty of ladies who could have made this list, but I don't necessarily believe they're quite as relevant as those I've listed. Although, you bring up some interesting points, I just believe I can effectively counter most of your complaints.

Nice having a little discuson brewing here for sure though!

Matt_Molgaard
Monday 6/27/2011 at 07:09 PM | 77765

I think you've mistaken me for a huge Scout Taylor Compton fan.

:) I just mentioned her character being more iconic than dney in Scream because I really don't think people remember dney when they think of the Scream movies, but maybe I'm wrong.

At least in RZ's Halloween franchise (and even if we're watching the same cast in H3D, I can't really conder it part of the franchise because RZ is in no way attached), Laurie became much more than a victim, and the character was given dimenon and depth.

Personally, I could care less whether or not the original Laurie lived or died, and same goes for dney in the Scream movies.

I feel like RZ's scripts and STC's performance gave Laurie a depth that wasn't originally there.

(Yes, I know I'll hear the outcry of hundreds of John Carpenter fans, as it's like the biggest n in the horror world to say anything bad about "Halloween"

but we're all entitled to our opinions, which is why I'm careful to avoid saying that I think anything written here was "wrong," I just think there are other actresses more deserving of the title "Scream Queen.")

Still not buying Amber Heard, though.

Upcoming projects don't really count to me, because all horror fans know how frequently projects get shelved, even after filming is complete.

Drive Angry 3D was not horror in any sense of the word, unless bad dialogue and poor performances terrify you.

(Don't know why she bugs me so much, but she does, and because of that personal bias {see, I'm not above being biased!}, I argue her place on this list.)Despite my playing devil's advocate here, I actually really appreciate that Danielle Harris, Rose McGowan, Sheri Moon Zombie, Aa Argento (even though I made the Marie Antoinette comment, I'm actually a fan of both the actress and most of her movies, including Marie Antoinette, but I did find it strange to see her in a period piece)

and Melissa George are all on here.

Definitely an overlooked bunch.

I haven't seen Cold Prey or the sequel, so I have no opinion there, but I feel like quality should count for something.

Friday the 13th, The Crazies, The Stepfather, (remade), Drive Angry 3D, and Redent Evil 2- 8K are not even close to quality films, even within the genre, when we have such great work happening elsewhere. Chloe Grace Moretz is another one who comes to mind, generally making quality films.Anyway, that's my 2 (or 20) cents, and I'm not trying to disrespect you invalidate anyone's opinions, just wanted to share mine as well.

KMLandis66
Monday 6/27/2011 at 10:31 PM | 77773

I can definitely respect your standpoint

...though there were definitely heavy traces of supernatural/horror in Drive Angry :)

as for Compton, I dont think she'll be remembered in the slightest as Laurie Strode (and if she is, I dont think it will be in a potive light), while I think dney is the strongest scream queen to emerge nce the late 70's/early 80's.

We've definitely got differing opinions, but I respect where you're coming from buddy!

BTW - CHECK OUT COLD PREY 1&amp;2 - AAWWEESSSOOOMMMMMEEEEE slasher franchise! about to check out the third tonight (prequel)

When looking for a "Scream Queen" you defs want someone totally BA. I would say Pouty Scouty, but really, as far as being badass goes, she doesn't quite hit the mark.

my two cents.. great list! :)

appreciate the feedback!

Matt_Molgaard
Friday 7/22/2011 at 04:45 PM | 79134

Just a few notes...
First, let me whip out my Sunnydale High pom-poms. I agree that Sarah Michelle Gellar's work on Buffy the Vampire Slayer should give her at least an honorable mention nod. She's gotten a lot of flack for her acting skills but for those of us who were watching the show from the beginning, the character was really quite deep and was written to often hide behind a stoic facade. Her film roles have been diverse enough that such a label shouldn’t be continually dropped on her. On top of that, even going back to Kristy Swanson, you really can’t help but love the idea of Buffy: the stumbling airheaded blonde finally gets to fight back, and to win.
(denote: I met Kristy Swanson. SUCH a bitch.)

I loved a lot of this list. I’d be able to throw more support behind Sheri Moon Zombie if not for the obvious nepotism that led to most of her major film roles. I’d like to see her really break out with something great in Lords of Salem - I remain hopeful.

I kinda love Rose McGowan. She’s always been something of a quirky actress and more of an interstingly gorgeous than clascally beautiful woman. The characters she’s played have that same quirky personality (okay, bitchy, really) and yet they always seem unique of one another. On top of that, she injured herself on a stunt to the degree of long use of one of her hands for some time and yet STILL goes back to it. Pretty bad ass.

Danielle Harris deserves major props not only for her film roles, but for returning not only to film, but of all things, HORROR films, after dealing with the real-life horror of an obsessed stalker.3.

And I agree, dney Prescott has become an icon, and always will be. Beyond that role, Neve Campbell has more than proved her acting chops in a wide array of indie flicks and major film roles. The metamorphos of her character in The Craft is fantastic; though each of the girls in the film undergo changes with the advent of their witching powers, Neve’s transformation from the shy and reserved Bonnie to the powerful and arrogant personality she undertakes is the best in the film!

Also: I am of the opinion that Milla Jovovich stopped aging in 1992. PROVE ME WRONG.

I would include Fairuza Balk as well. Even if her horror resume isn’t extraordinarily long (though it is decent - The Craft, Island of Dr Moreau, Grindstone Road, an ep of Masters of Horror, etc), her turn as Nancy in The Craft makes her an icon in her own right.